i drove my tuck to work as usual and was fine sept for a little whit smoke at startup whitch it has always done.
it sat for 21 days unplugged, weather never got below -15
giot back and truck would not start, needed a boost battarys were dead
drove it home (20 min drive) i tryed to start it right after i parked it too see if the battarys charged, it dident,
i figured it was bad battrys since they were cheap walmart brand ones so i bought 2 interstate batteries.
fixt the problem for a couple days(about 10 starts and just ptting around town and to work 2 times) white smoke was getting a little worce i think. ( cant realy tell in drivers seat)
this morning truck barly started pluged in and about +1 let it idle for a bit to warm up and when i got in my stereo(aftermarket deck and 600w amp) was off and ABS light was on.
once i took it over 1000 rpm the abs light went off and my stereo got power and once i stopped at a light or sign the ABS light would go on and stereo would turn off agian, so i took the inline fuse to my amp off and turned my deck off and went to work.
my truck wouldent start after work today so i got a boost. started blew some more white smoke then ran fine for about 30sec then died. got another boost and gave it some revs till ABS light went off and drove home.
sorry for the long story i just wanted to give u as much info as possible
i think it might be a weak alternator
i run synthetic oil and change it every 8k kms
just changed the air filter
i usualy run a fuel aditive but havent for the last 2 tanks - just slipped my mined
Like Mark said...kill the batteries...you are on the road to killing that precious FICM. Whatever you do...keep those batteries fresh. Clean the terminals and make sure the connectors are clean as well. Charge the batteries to at least 12.6v and then load test them separately (make sure neither one is hooked up to the truck) ...once to knock down any sulfation (10sec)...then wait 30 sec and to it again to really see how they look (10 sec). You absolutely gotta have strong batteries for this truck...and especially with your AM stereo. Once you decided you have decent batteries, ensure they are good and tight on the terminals...no loosy goosy...gotta have good clean connections that will hold up...then apply a film of grape jelly (you know the battery stuff), or pour some cola over them or a little dialectric grease...whatever keeps them from over oxidizing and getting corrosion. Try adding a float charger every once in a while. Incidentally, while you were load testing...its a good time to get familiar with the VGT and Torqeshift relearn procedures.
thankyou verry much bismic and moyockpowerstroke, i'm going to get my alternator checked tommarow and wile thats being done i'll load test my battaries and check my FICM
i think this is going to be an expensive weekend heh but i still love my truck and would never trade it for a GM or Dodge!
My guess is the altenator. I had a very similar issue earlier this summer. Posted on this forum, got some great help and technical information about the inner workings of the altenator. Bottom line is I replaced the altenator and have not had an issue since. Mine is also a 2003 6.0 PSD.
The alternator in my 2003 also "died" last week. It seems the 2003 alternators have a given life span. At least you didn't break down on the road and need a tow. Knock on wood, everything else electronic seems to have survived the incident.
I know a guy that also had the same problem your having and his problem turned out to be his starters solenoid that was found to be drawing power while the would sit which drained his batteries slowly.
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03 F-350 Lariat FX4 4x4 crewcab Powerstroke diesel 6.0L , 6.5" procomp lift 35" toyo open country mt's, MBRP 4" full exhaust, Diablosport Predator tuner
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